Aging and Your Nails: What Changes and What You Can Do

1. The Most Common Age-Related Nail Changes

I always had good nails—long, strong, and fast-growing (see my article: Raw Foods and Healthy Nails). But as I’m approaching 70 (yes, just two more years!), I’ve noticed they don’t grow as quickly or as strong as they used to. 

So I decided to look deeper into nail health, what aging does to our nails, and how we can protect them. Here’s what I’ve learned about how aging affects nails.

As we age, nails change slowly too. Here are the most common changes:
Slower Growth
Nail growth slows down. This means new, fresh nail replaces old nail more slowly, so any damage or ridges stay visible longer.

Dryness and Brittleness
The nail plate can dry out because natural oil production decreases with age. Nails become more likely to crack, split, or peel. This is especially noticeable if your hands are often in water or exposed to soaps.

Vertical Ridges
These gentle ridges running from cuticle to tip usually become more visible. They are similar to “wrinkles of the nail.” They are not dangerous, just a sign of reduced cell turnover.

Color Changes
Nails can look: more yellow, less pink, and slightly dull. This can come from slower circulation and oxidation.

Curving or Thickening
The nail shape can change. Some nails become slightly curved or thicker, especially toenails. This often relates to reduced blood flow and natural changes in keratin protein.

Fragile Cuticles
Cuticles become thinner and more prone to tearing. This can open the way for irritation or small infections.

Reduced Strength
Less collagen and slower metabolism of minerals affect keratin structure. Nails no longer hold moisture the way they once did.

Lemon + Salt Nail Soak

While researching the best treatments for nails, I kept coming across the lemon-and-salt trick. I started doing it at least twice a week, and it makes a noticeable difference in my nails. Give it a try!

Here is a classic natural treatment for brighter, stronger, cleaner-looking nails.

Why It Works

Lemon juice

• Naturally rich in citric acid, which gently removes surface discoloration and dullness.

• Acts as a mild astringent, helping tighten the nail plate.

• Contains vitamin C, which supports healthier-looking nails and cuticles.

Sea salt or Himalayan salt

• Provides gentle abrasion and helps lift dead skin around the cuticle.

• Has natural antimicrobial properties.

• Helps soften thickened cuticles and reduces small hangnails.

Warm water

• Improves circulation to the nail matrix, supporting growth.

• Softens the nail plate slightly so moisture and oils penetrate better afterward.

Together, this soak gives nails a cleaner, fresher, more “polished” look without polish.

How to Do It

Ingredients

• Juice of ½ fresh lemon

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt or Himalayan pink salt

• 1 cup warm water

• Optional: 1–2 drops of lemon essential oil for extra brightness

Steps

Mix warm water, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl.

Soak fingertips for 5–7 minutes.

Gently massage cuticle area with the salted water for 10–15 seconds.

Rinse well.

Very important: Apply a natural oil afterward (olive, castor, or your nail stick).

Lemon can be drying if not followed with oil.

In our busy lives, finding time for a 15–20 minute lemon–salt soak once a week is already wonderful—but your nails still need more help. That’s where our new Keratin Kiss Nail & Cuticle Balm can truly make a difference.

Keratin Kiss — Nail & Cuticle Balm

Strengthens • Restores • Protects

Nails, like skin and hair, are seriously affected by aging. Over time they can become brittle, dull, yellowish, or begin to curve. Your nails deserve the same loving care you give your face. Keratin Kiss delivers that care — anytime, anywhere.

Keep this silky balm in your purse or pocket, and swipe it generously over your nails whenever you remember. Then simply wipe the extra balm over your hands for instant softness and protection.

Infused with Argan, Neem, Red Raspberry, and Calendula Oils, this concentrated botanical blend nourishes, strengthens, and smooths fragile nails and dry cuticles. A touch of Lemon Oil adds brightness and natural purification, while Vitamin E helps seal in moisture.

No water. No preservatives. Just pure, concentrated nourishment.